UK Government pledges new support to LSTM to protect 100 million people
from elephantiasis and help eliminate the disease by 2020
Liverpool, 21 January 2012 – The Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases (CNTD) at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has received a major boost from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) in its drive to eliminate elephantiasis globally. The new commitment of £22 million over the next four years will provide 400 million treatments to protect 100 million people in Africa and Asia from this painful and disfiguring disease.
A leading organisation in combating neglected tropical diseases around the world, CNTD is currently supporting 12 countries to eliminate elephantiasis by 2020. With support from DFID and GlaxoSmithKline, it has been providing treatment to millions of people since 2000.
"Those of us who are dedicated to controlling neglected tropical diseases applaud this generous support from the UK government. It builds on the extraordinary commitment of the pharmaceutical industry to supply drugs for as long as needed to treat and prevent these diseases and recognises the outstanding work of all those involved who have made the elimination of the most prevalent disease of the poor their priority. The UK government support will literally change the lives of many millions of the poorest,” said Professor Moses Bockarie, Director of CNTD.
If you would like to read the Centre's press release please click here.
